Baby is 8.5 months and has gone from perfect sleeper to v hard to settle- should I let him cry or not?

[Lostmarbles99]

I really don't know!

My baby was a perfect sleeper until the last few weeks, he's had a cough but is much, much better now. His sleeping pattern was disturbed when he had his cough and he would only sleep in his buggy as the cot was too flat.

Anyway when I go to put him down, usual time 7pm, he's started this habit of crying until I go back into the room. Why?

Previously he would still be awake when he went down but just lay cooing and fiddling with his blanket until he went to sleep.

Oh dear - what has happened?

Is he too young to be getting a little bit crafty?

I just want him to sleep again, like he did before!

He cries and cries until I go back in and cuddle him or stroke his face but I really don't want to make a habit of this. He's quite demanding during the day and I really need some time to myself- am sure I sound selfish but that's how I feel.

Any advice?

Could be the start of separation anxiety. dd has gone through this recently (she has also been ill which has contributed I think) - she used to chat herself to sleep, then when I'll she wanted to be stroked to sleep and would cry if I left. Gradually since she's been better the amount of stroking needed has decreased and I now compromise, I stroke her till she's v sleepy then I slowly back out of the room saying "sleepy time" the whole way - she still protests a bit as I leave but then usually goes to sleep v quickly after I've shut the door. So we're not back to the chatting to sleep yet sadly but it's not crying and crying either. hoping it will pass completely soon.

I'd say separation anxiety, teething, or sleep regression (google nine month sleep regression).

Sleeping through is not a linear progression, more a set of peaks and troughs.